HOBOKEN – Like many other residents in Hoboken, Mayor Dawn Zimmer wants more parks. So, on Monday evening in a community meeting held at the Rue School, Zimmer announced her intention to propose a bond ordinance to the City Council which would purchase new parks in the city. However, she did not say how much the bond would cost the city.
“There is a number [price] in mind,” Zimmer said, but would not yet release the proposed price on Monday night.
The well attended event drew many members of the council who seemed eager to learn more about the bond proposal, but curious as to the size of the request.
The bond funding would go toward purchasing land designated in Hoboken’s Master Plan as park space. The Open Space Trust Fund would go toward funding the cost of the bond, according to a city press release.
Zimmer said on Monday night that it was possible that the city could dip into the city’s $10 million surplus for the park projects.
The event also served as an update on many of the park spaces around town, including 1600 Park, Weehawken Cove, Sinatra Park, the Southwest area of town, Pier A, and Pier C, among others.
Director of Community Development Brandy Forbes said the people who spoke to her about 1600 Park and Weehawken Cove seemed excited and eager to be a part of the process, and she was pleased with the feedback she received. Director of Parking and Transportation Ian Sacs and City Engineer Joseph Pomante fielded questions from residents about Sinatra Park, including the possibility of moving the park more inland. The plan to move the park on land has the potential to save millions, but could take a lane of traffic away on Sinatra Drive between Fourth and Eleventh streets, making the road a one way, and was part of a proposal on display during the Monday evening community meeting.
For the full story on park space in Hoboken, read The Hoboken Reporter this weekend. – Ray Smith